They sailed along and triumphed. The young sailors of the 71-year-old Fair Haven River Rats turned out strong performances in The Junior Sweepstakes Regatta recently.

Also known as ‘August Sweeps,’ held at the end of the month, the regatta is a four-day sailing event for junior sailors held at Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club (SSYC) and Monmouth Boat Club (MBC), with event management, judging and support provided by River Rats.

The regatta alternates annually between the clubs and showcases young sailors from local clubs throughout the area. Boats skippered in the races included Optis, 420s and Lasers.

Fair Haven placed 5th, overall. And the individual young sailors placed very well.

“River Rats is beaming with pride, of course,” River Rats Skipper Jill Lynch said. “It takes courage for these young sailors, some of whom are just learning the sport, to get out on that water in a competitive situation. It builds character and enhances problem-solving skills. These are wonderful victories and they reinforce sailing as a great tool for personal growth and development.”

Here’s how the young rats did:

In the Opti Green Division …

River Rats’ Liam Sinclair placed first overall; Charlie Dipierro placed third; Isabella Schiavetti ranked fifth; and Gian Carlo Aliseo placed 8th.

A total of 18 boats raced. Rising stars Winston Flis and Weston Lewis placed 15th and 16th, respectively. In The Opti RWB Blue Division, James Stigliano,

— Edited press release from River Rats

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